Belt covering for a mobile station and method of using the same

ABSTRACT

A mobile station including a cover assembly and a wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assembly. Included in the cover assembly is a belt that substantially extends around the signal receiving and generating assembly, and a connector to hold the belt closed about the signal receiving and generating assembly. The belt includes a pair of side edges which define side openings through which the signal receiving and generating assembly can be accessed. Advantageously, the belt is easily exchanged with other belts so as to vary the appearance of the mobile station. Further, the side edges are easily gripped by a user holding the mobile station. In another aspect, the belt includes an integrated key pad which overlies a plurality of key contacts of the signal receiving and generating assembly.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/483,780 filed Jun. 30, 2003, which is incorporatedherein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention is related to the use of covers for mobilestations (such as mobile telephones), and more particularlyinterchangeable covers that protect the mobile station and allow theappearance of the mobile station to be customized.

[0004] 2. Description of Related Art

[0005] Participants in the mobile telephone industry are in a constantsearch to differentiate their telephones by making them easier to useand more aesthetically appealing. For example, mobile telephones havebeen developed with easily interchangeable covers. An interchangeablecover allows the user to change the appearance of the phone as desired,such as by matching the cover to an outfit.

[0006] In addition to aesthetic appearance, durability of the mobiletelephone is also a concern. Originally, mobile telephones were housedin large protective cases and included large battery power supplies.Steady improvements in mobile telephone construction have resulted inmuch more lightweight and low-cost telephones. Typically, the morerecent versions of mobile telephones have a housing constructed of ahard plastic material, such as a thermoplastic material that is heatedand molded into a container for the electronic components of thetelephone. Although such materials are an effective guard against mostimpacts resulting from drops and other blows, extraordinary impacts canresult in permanent deformation of the housing.

[0007] As an additional guard against impacts, a separate coverconstructed of leather or textile materials is often employed. Suchmaterials are typically softer and more energy absorbent, dampening theshock of an impact and protecting the more brittle plastic housing. Forinstance, the cover may include a relatively thick, semi-rigid backingpanel that is sized to cover a rear surface of the mobile telephone andincludes a peripheral edge that is configured to extend forwardly fromthe rear surface of the telephone.

[0008] In addition, a cover may include a sling that is constructed of arelatively thin, flexible piece of leather or textile material sewn tothe peripheral edge of the backing panel. The sling is shaped to conformto the contours of the front and side surfaces of the mobile telephoneand forms a pocket between it and the backing panel. Defined in thesling are various openings that correspond to the key pad, screen,antenna, interface jack, etc. An upper portion of the sling includes ahook and loop connector allowing the upper portion to be extended overthe upper surface of the mobile telephone and attached to a mating hookand loop connector on the backing panel. In this manner, the mobiletelephone is secured within the sling.

[0009] Advantageously, the peripheral edge of the backing panel extendsoutwardly from the side surfaces of the mobile telephone and therebycushions impacts. However, the relatively thin, flexible construction ofthe sling is not as effective at protecting the front and side surfacesof the mobile telephone. Although the thickness of the sling may beincreased for further cushioning, such an increase can interfere withthe accessibility of the keypad, display and other interface devices ofthe mobile telephone. In addition, the cover does not appear to be apart of the original telephone construction and therefore detracts fromthe aesthetic appearance of the mobile telephone.

[0010] Therefore, it would be advantageous to have a mobile stationcover that is easily removed and reinstalled to allow the appearance ofthe mobile station to be customized. In addition, it would beadvantageous to have a mobile station cover that protects the mobilestation against impacts but does not appear to be a separatelymanufactured, aftermarket product and that did not interfere with thefunctionality of the various user-interfaces, such as the display andkeypad.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The above needs are addressed and other advantages are providedby a mobile station including a cover assembly and a wirelesstelecommunications signal receiving and generating assembly. Included inthe cover assembly is a belt that substantially extends around thesignal receiving and generating assembly, and a connector to hold thebelt closed about the signal receiving and generating assembly. The beltincludes a pair of side edges which define side openings through whichthe signal receiving and generating assembly can be accessed.Advantageously, the belt is easily exchanged with other belts so as tovary the appearance of the mobile station. Further, the side edges areeasily gripped by a user holding the mobile station. In another aspect,the belt includes an integrated key pad which overlies a plurality ofkey contacts of the signal receiving and generating assembly.

[0012] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a coverassembly for a wireless telecommunications signal receiving andgenerating assembly, wherein the cover assembly includes a belt and aconnector. In particular, the belt has a first end, a second end and apair of side edges. The pair of side edges are laterally spaced fromeach other and extend between the first and second ends. Also includedin the belt are first and second portions wherein the first portion isadjacent the first end and the second portion is adjacent the secondend. Positioned between the first and second portions is a flexibleportion. The flexible portion extends between the side edges and allowsthe first and second portions to be moved with respect to each otherwhen moved about the flexible portion. The connector is configured tohold together the first and second ends of the belt in an adjacentrelationship. In this manner, the belt can substantially extend around,and in overlying contact with, the signal receiving and generatingassembly. In addition, the side edges define a pair of spaced openingsexposing side portions of the signal receiving and generating assembly.

[0013] Various configurations for the belt are possible, facilitatingeasy exchange of different belts and protection of the signal receivingand generating assembly. For instance, the ends of the belt may beconfigured to be in abutting contact when held in the adjacentrelationship by the connector. In this manner, the belt extendscontinuously around the signal receiving and generating assembly. Inaddition, the flexible portion of the belt may have a rounded innersurface, and the abutting ends together may define a rounded innersurface, so that the belt material may more easily conform to the outercontours of the signal receiving and generating assembly.

[0014] In another aspect, the side edges of the belt may besubstantially parallel to each other so that the belt has a generallyequal width along its length. Further, the side edges of the belt may beconfigured to partially extend over side surfaces of the signalreceiving and generating assembly. Extending the side edges over theside surfaces restrains the signal receiving and generating assemblyfrom falling out of the side openings.

[0015] The flexible portion of the belt may define an opening sized toreveal or receive a connection port, such as a interface jack, of thesignal receiving and generating assembly. Other openings can also bedefined in the belt, such as a display opening that is configured toextend around a display of the signal receiving and generating assembly.

[0016] Preferably, the belt has a thickness that is about equal to theheight of the display, interface jack and any other plateau portions ofthe signal receiving and generating assembly. As a result, when the beltis applied to the signal receiving and generating assembly, the plateauportions are still easily accessible and have exposed surfaces that areflush with an outer surface of the belt. In another option, the belt mayalso include one or more flaps that extend over the openings and protectthe underlying portions of the signal receiving and generating assembly.

[0017] In still another aspect, the belt may include an integrated keypad that is configured to be positioned over a plurality of key contactsof the signal receiving and generating assembly. Depression of the keyson the keypad will depress the underlying contacts and register inputswith the signal receiving and generating assembly.

[0018] Generally, the connector holds the ends of the belt in anadjacent relationship, and preferably in abutting contact, as discussedabove. In one aspect, each of the ends of the belt defines an outwardlydirected flange. In this case, the connector may be an elastic ring thatis configured to extend around the two flanges so as to tightly hold theends of the belt together.

[0019] In another embodiment, the present invention includes a mobilestation having a wireless telecommunications signal receiving andgenerating assembly. The signal receiving and generating assembly has afront surface, a back surface and a peripheral surface extending betweenthe front and back surfaces. In addition, a belt of the mobile stationextends over the front surface, the back surface and a pair of oppositeportions of the peripheral surface of the signal receiving andgenerating assembly. The belt includes a pair of side edges defining apair of openings on the sides of the belt. The side openings reveal theremaining portions of the peripheral surface of the signal receiving andgenerating assembly over which the belt does not extend.

[0020] To further guard against impacts, the signal receiving andgenerating assembly may include an outer housing. Extending from thehousing is at least one plateau portion, such as a display or aconnection port. Preferably, the belt has an outer surface that is flushwith an exposed surface of the plateau portion or portions.

[0021] The mobile station and associated cover assembly of the presentinvention have many advantages. For instance, the belt is easilyattached and removed from the signal receiving and generating assembly,allowing quick exchange with other belts to change the appearance of themobile station. In addition, the cover assembly provides additionalprotection for the signal receiving and generating assembly, especiallyif the belt is constructed of an impact-absorbing material. The sideedges of the belt defining the side openings allow the mobile station tobe easily gripped and held in the hand of a user. In addition, the sideopenings allow for easier bending and attachment of the belt about thehousing. Matching the thickness of the belt to the raised portions, suchas the display and the interface jack, provide a relatively flush,attractive outer surface of the mobile station.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

[0022] Having thus described the invention in general terms, referencewill now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarilydrawn to scale, and wherein:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mobile station of one embodimentof the present invention;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a belt being opened to receive awireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assembly ofthe mobile station shown in FIG. 1;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the belt and a connector of themobile station shown in FIG. 1;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connector being attached tothe belt of the mobile station shown in FIG. 1;

[0027]FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a key padand plunger mat of the mobile station shown in FIG. 1;

[0028]FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a keypad of the belt of the mobile station shown in FIG. 1;

[0029]FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a mobile station of anotherembodiment of the present invention;

[0030]FIG. 8 is an exploded view of the mobile station of FIG. 7;

[0031]FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the mobile station of FIG. 7including a latch and lever connector;

[0032]FIG. 10 is a side elevation view of a cover assembly of the mobilestation of FIG. 7;

[0033]FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cover assembly of FIG.10; and

[0034]FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the mobile station of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0035] The present invention now will be described more fullyhereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some,but not all embodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, theinvention may be embodied in many different forms and should not beconstrued as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, theseembodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicablelegal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

[0036] A mobile station 10 of one embodiment of the present invention isshown in FIG. 1. Included in the mobile station is a cover assembly 11and a wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generatingassembly 12. The cover assembly 11 includes a belt 13 that extendsaround an outer housing 14 of the signal receiving and generatingassembly 12 and is secured thereabout using a connector 15.Advantageously, the cover assembly 11 protects the signal receiving andgenerating assembly 12 while still being easily removable andexchangeable with other cover assemblies to allow customization of theappearance of the mobile station 10.

[0037] It should be understood that the mobile telephone illustrated andhereinafter described is merely illustrative of one type of mobilestation that would benefit from the present invention and, therefore,should not be taken to limit the scope of the present invention. Forexample, other types of mobile stations, such as portable digitalassistants (PDAs), pagers, laptop computers and other types of voice andtext communications systems, can readily employ the present invention.Moreover, the system and method of the present invention will beprimarily described in conjunction with mobile communicationsapplications. But the system and method of the present invention can beutilized in conjunction with a variety of other applications, both inthe mobile communications industries and outside of the mobilecommunications industries.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 2, the signal receiving and generating assembly12 includes the outer housing 14, a plurality of key contacts 16, adisplay 17 and a interface jack 18. The signal receiving and generatingassembly 12 also includes other, conventional components (battery,microphone, earpiece, processor, printed wiring board, transmitter,receiver, etc.) necessary for the mobile station to receive, process andgenerate wireless communications signals. However, these remainingcomponents are conventionally known to one of skill in the art and aretherefore not described or shown herein in additional detail.

[0039] In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 14 generally has arectangular shape with a front surface 22, a back surface 23 and aperipheral surface 24 that extends between the front and back surfaces.The front surface defines a plurality of openings, including an openingthrough which the display 17 extends and openings through which theplurality of key contacts 16 extend, or are accessible. The back surface23 does not define openings in the illustrated embodiment. However,various other openings may be defined in the back and other surfaces ofthe housing depending upon the type of mobile station and the type ofaccess needed to the electronic, and other components, housed therein.For instance, a mobile station of the present invention that includes aheadphone jack may have an opening defined in a surface of its housing14 through which the headphone jack can be accessed.

[0040] Referring again to FIG. 2, the peripheral surface 24 includes topand bottom portions 25, 26 (wherein “top” and “bottom” are defined withrespect to the orientation of the mobile station 10 in the Figures) andside portions 27. As will be described in greater detail below, the belt13 generally extends over the entire top and bottom portions 25, 26, butleaves the side portions mostly uncovered. The top and bottom portions25, 26 of the peripheral surface 24 have a semicircular, or rounded,shape and are on opposite ends of the housing 14. Advantageously, therounded shape of the top and bottom portions promotes conforming contactof the belt 13 against the housing 14. The side portions 27 of theperipheral surface 24 typically have a planar shape and are also onopposite sides of the housing.

[0041] It should be noted that although the illustrated housing 14 has agenerally rectangular shape, the housing may have other shapes as isnecessary or advantageous for the particular intended application of themobile station. However, the housing 14 preferably has a geometry andshape that facilitates attachment of the cover assembly 11 andcooperates therewith to provide robust protection of the more fragile(typically electronic) components of the mobile station 10. Forinstance, the housing may be shaped like a disc with rounded edges sothat the belt 13 could extend substantially around the disc, or acylinder wherein the belt extends over the curved surface of thecylinder.

[0042] Typically the housing 14 will be divided into two or morecomponents that can be disengaged from each other to reveal theremaining components of the signal receiving and generating assembly 12housed therein. Such access advantageously allows for maintenance andreplacement of electronic components, batteries, etc. For instance, thehousing 14 of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2 is divided into twocomponents including a back component 19 and a face component 20 thattogether form the housing. The face component includes the entire frontsurface 22 and portions of the peripheral surface 24. The back component19 includes the entire back surface 23 and portions of the peripheralsurface.

[0043] It should be noted that the housing 14 could be constructed ofmore, or fewer, components than the illustrated embodiment. In addition,the housing 14 could be divided into components at different places,such as by a seam extending through the front and back surfaces 22, 23which divides the housing into top and bottom components. Generally,however, fewer components are preferred for improved impact resistance.

[0044] During attachment, the two components are brought together at theperipheral surface 24 portions to form a seam that extends around theentire peripheral surface. The two components 19, 20 are typically heldtogether using an interference or snap fit that employs latches and maybe aided by the use of fasteners. However, sole use of an interferencefit is advantageous because it allows the housing 14 to be easily openedwithout tools to remove the fasteners. Further advantageously, the belt13 facilitates the sole use of an interference or latch fit because itholds the components together during an impact which might otherwiseseparate components attached solely via an interference or latch fit.

[0045] Both the back and the face components 19, 20 are preferablyconstructed of a relatively hard plastic material that is both lightweight and protective. Preferably, the material has a relatively uniformthickness and hardness so that the belt 13 adds to the impact resistanceof the mobile station 10. However, the thickness, hardness and othermechanical properties of the housing 14 could be increased in areas notcovered by the belt, such as the side portions 27 which may be subjectto direct impacts. Alternatively, the mechanical properties of thehousing could be reduced in the areas protected by the belt, for cost,weight or other reasons.

[0046] Referring again to FIG. 2, the housing 14 may also includeplateau portions that extend outwards from the base surface of thehousing. For instance, the interface jack 18 of the illustratedembodiment is accessible through openings defined in a raisedrectangular island defined at the bottom portion 26 of the peripheralsurface 24 of the housing. Such plateau portions preferably have aheight that is about equal the thickness of the belt 13 so that a topsurface of the plateau portion is flush with an outer surface of thebelt. As result, the plateau portion provides better visibility, andeasier access, through its matching opening in the belt 13. In anotheroption, a device may itself extend outwards through the opening in thehousing 14 and thereby form its own plateau portion. For example, thedisplay 17 of the illustrated embodiment extends outwards from the basesurface of the housing 14 and has an outer surface that is flush withthe outer surface of the belt 13.

[0047] The key contacts 16 are positioned in an array on the frontsurface 22 and each of the key contacts performs one or more allottedinput functions, such as entry of a number for dialing or paging throughmenu selections. The key contacts 16 may either be accessible throughopenings in the outer housing 14, or the outer housing itself may havepart of its front surface 22 formed of a printed wiring board directlysupporting the key contacts 16. Such printed wiring boards typicallyemploy metal dome contacts to register depression of overlying keys.Movement of such dome contacts upon the application of pressure ispreferably in fractions of a millimeter, allowing relatively lightpressure to register an input.

[0048] It should be noted that in addition to the metal dome typecontacts 16, other key contact devices could be used to sense anapplication of pressure. For instance, piezoelectric tablets could bepositioned so as to record key depressions. Therefore, the term “keycontacts” as used herein in reference to the wireless signal processingassembly, and its component parts, refers to a device, or collection ofdevices, or other structure capable of recording the application ofpressure, typically produced by the depression or actuation of one ormore keys, for the purpose of registering an input to the processingassembly.

[0049] The belt 13 includes a first end 28, a second end 29 and a pairof side edges 30. The side edges 30 extend between the ends 28, 29 andthe edges and ends collectively define a belt of material that can besecured around the signal receiving and generating assembly 12. The belthas several advantages but two of its primary advantages are addinganother layer of protection to the housing 14 of the signal receivingand generating assembly 12, and allowing easy exchangeability with otherbelts for changes in the aesthetic appearance of the mobile station 10.

[0050] Referring to the embodiment of the belt 13 illustrated in theFigures, and in particular best illustrated FIGS. 2 and 3, a firstportion 31 of the belt is adjacent the first end 28 and a second portion32 of the belt is adjacent the second end 29. A flexible portion 33 ofthe belt 13 separates the first and second portions 31, 32. As a result,the first portion 31 extends between the first end 28, the flexibleportion 33 and the side edges 30. The second portion 32 extends betweenthe second end 29, the flexible portion 33 and the side edges 30.

[0051] A range of materials may be used to construct the belt 13. Forinstance, the belt may be constructed of one, or combinations of,textile materials (e.g., leather, woven or knitted materials),thermoplastics, rubber, silicone, etc., but is preferably constructed ofa single material having elastic properties. Materials having elasticproperties have the advantage of dampening and absorbing energy from thetypes of sudden impacts that break open relatively hard plastic housingsand damage the delicate electronics held inside the housing. Inaddition, elastic materials facilitate attachment of the belt around thesignal receiving and generating assembly 12 by allowing the ends 28, 29to be drawn together. Further, the belt materials can be selected to beaesthetically pleasing, such as by including patterns, luminescence,reflective qualities, colors, images, indicia or other visibledepictions or characteristics. Examples of a preferred material includesa two-shot elastomer wherein the color and material properties can bevaried at specific locations along the belt. As another example, thebelt may be constructed of fabric with rubber trim.

[0052] In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second portions 31,32 are both generally flat and have a similar rectangular shape. Thefirst portion 31 is sized and shaped to overlie the entire front surface22 of the housing 14, while the second portion 32 is sized and shaped tooverlie the entire back surface 23. In order to accommodate the display17 extending from the front surface 22 of the housing 14, the firstportion 31 defines a display opening 34 having a rectangular shapesimilar to the display and sized to extend around the periphery of thedisplay. As another option, the first portion 31 defines a pair of audioopenings 41 positioned above the display opening 34 so as to overlieaudio output speakers of the signal receiving and generating assembly12.

[0053] Other openings may also be defined in the first portion 31 (andother portions) of the belt 13 depending upon different factors such asthe number and kind of input and output devices used with the mobilestation 10. For instance, if the mobile station is a wireless MP3player, openings in the first portion 31 may allow passage therethroughof various headphone and external speaker connections.

[0054] The first portion 31 may also include a key pad 35 that ispositioned to overlie the key contacts 16 of the signal receiving andgenerating assembly 12. The key pad 35 preferably includes multiple keys37 each positioned above one or more plungers 36, as shown by thecross-sections of FIGS. 5 and 6. In turn, each of the plungers ispositioned above one of the key contacts 16. Preferably, the key pad 35is integrally constructed of the same material as the remainder of thebelt 13, and further preferably is constructed of a semi-soft, flexiblematerial.

[0055] The plungers 36 may be part of a separate plunger mat 38, asshown in FIG. 5, wherein each of the plungers includes a resilientdiaphragm portion 39 biasing a plunger cylinder 40 into a positionadjacent the underside of the key pad 35. In another example, the keypad 35 may include integrated plungers, as shown in FIG. 6, wherein theplunger cylinder 40 is a part of a respective one of the keys. Thelatter embodiment is particularly suited to keys constructed of aresilient, elastic material that allows the keys to deform relative tothe rest of the key pad 35 and belt 13. During use, the plunger cylinder40 is advanced into contact with a respective one of the underlying keycontacts 16 so that an input is registered. Upon release of pressurefrom the key, the plunger cylinder retracts due to the bias of thediaphragm portion 39 or the resiliency of the key itself.

[0056] In yet another option, the keys may be constructed of arelatively rigid material separate from the rest of the belt 13, whereineach of the keys extends upwards through a respective one of a pluralityof openings defined in the belt. Regardless of the material constructionof the key pad 35 and its keys, the keys should be capable of at leastsome movement so that pressure is applied to the underlying one of thekey contacts 16.

[0057] As shown best in FIG. 2, the first and second ends 28, 29 arcinwardly towards each other and away from the first and second portions31, 32 of the belt 13. As a result, when the ends are held in anabutting relationship by the connector 15 they form rounded inner andouter surfaces. In addition, the flexible portion 33 which separates thefirst and second portions 31, 32 and extends between the side edges 30,has rounded inner and outer surfaces.

[0058] Advantageously, the rounded inner surface of flexible portion andthe abutting ends corresponds with the rounded outer shape of the topand bottom portions 25, 26 of the peripheral surface 24 of the housing14. In addition, the relatively planar inner surfaces of the first andsecond portions 31, 32 correspond with the planar base surfaces of thehousing 14. Close correspondence of the inner surfaces of the belt 13with the outer housing 14 promotes a robust fit around the outer housingof the cover assembly 11 for improved impact resistance. In instances inwhich the housing 14 is shaped differently, the belt may likewise beshaped differently so as to correspond to the housing.

[0059] The flexible portion 33 of the belt 13 is constructed of amaterial that is sufficiently flexible to allow movement of the firstend 28 and first portion 31 with respect to the second end 29 and secondportion 32. As is shown in FIG. 2, the first end 28 and first portion 31is rotated about the flexible portion 33 away from the second end 29 andsecond portion 33 so that the signal receiving and generating assembly12 can be positioned therebetween.

[0060] As with the other belt portions, the flexible portion 33 maydefine openings for access to the signal receiving and generatingassembly 11. For instance, the flexible portion in the illustratedembodiment defines an interface jack opening 42 through which extendsthe interface jack 18. In particular, the interface jack opening of theillustrated embodiment is approximately rectangular and is shaped toextend around the raised interface jack 18 after the belt 13 is securedaround the signal receiving and generating assembly 12, as shown in FIG.4.

[0061] The side edges 30 of the belt 13 extend along and inwards fromthe lateral sides of the ends 28, 29 and the portions 31, 32 and 33.Generally, the side edges 30 of the illustrated embodiment are at aright angle to the ends and portions so as to extend over the sideportions 27 of the peripheral surface 24 of the outer housing 14.However, the side edges 30 of the belt 13 may have other shapes so as toextend in general contact with the side portions 27. For example, if theside portions 27 were curved similar to the illustrated top and bottomportions 25, 26, the side edges 30 could also be correspondingly curved.In yet another alternative, the side edges 30 may be spaced from theouter housing 14, or may not extend over the side portions 27 of theperipheral surface 24 at all, instead merely defining edges of the ends28, 29 and portions 31, 32 and 33.

[0062] When the belt 13 extends around the signal receiving andgenerating assembly 12, the side edges 30 of the belt 13 define a pairof side openings 50 through which the side portions 27 of the peripheralsurface 24 of the housing are accessible, as shown in FIG. 1.Advantageously, the side openings 50 separate the first and second beltportions 31, 32 and allow the above-described relative movement betweenthe portions and ends so that the belt 13 can be easily affixed aroundthe housing 14. This is unlike conventional covers defining pockets thatare formed to tightly fit about the mobile station 10, at times makingit difficult to insert the mobile station into the pocket.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 4, attachment of the belt 13 around the housing14, including placement of the ends 28, 29 in abutting contact, bringseach of the side edges 30 into a closed shape to define the sideopenings 50. Portions of the side edges 30 that are adjacent the firstand second portions 31, 32 of the belt 13 define two parallel, spacededges of the side openings 50. Portions of the sides edges 30 that areadjacent the ends 28, 29 define two opposite, rounded edges of theopenings 50. Advantageously, the curved ends of the openings 50 at theflexible portion 33 and the space between the elongate sides of theopenings facilitate bending of the belt 13 without crimping. Achieving acontinuous wrap around the assembly 12 without kinks or crimping, whileat the same time retaining a smooth and flexible appearance when removedfrom the assembly 12, is a key element of the present invention. Therounded edges can be pre-molded, or can be facilitated through the useof grooves or pleats, and decreases in the material thickness for whenthe belt extends around tight corners.

[0064] The cover assembly 11 also includes the connector 15 which holdsthe ends 28, 29 of the belt 13 together after the belt is extendedaround the housing 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 15is a continuous loop or band of elastic material that fits around a pairof connector flanges 43 positioned on the ends 28, 29 of the belt 13, asshown in FIGS. 1 and 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the connectorflanges 43 are formed by a recessed channel extending through the ends28, 29 of the belt 13. Advantageously, the recessed channel partiallyconceals the connector 15 for an improved aesthetic appearance. Althoughin the illustrated embodiment the flanges 43 are formed by a recess inthe belt 13, the flanges 43 can also be defined by opposing raisedportions of the belt extending outwards from the base surface at theends 28, 29.

[0065] It should be noted that other types of connectors 15 can be usedto secure the ends 28, 29 of the belt 13 together. For instance, hookand loop connectors, latches, buckles, snaps, etc., could be used aslong as they can effectively hold the ends of the belt together,especially if the belt is under tension. It should also be noted thatthe ends 28, 29 need not be located at any particular portion of belt13, and for instance could define a seam within the first or secondportions 31, 32. As another option, the belt 13 may be constructed of anelastic material that is a continuous loop defining the side openings 50but not having the ends 28, 29. However, the belt material must besufficiently elastic to allow the belt to be distended and looped aroundthe housing 14.

[0066] During use, the belt 13 of the illustrated embodiment is openedby rotating the first end 28 and first portion 31 away from the secondend 29 and second portion 32, as shown in FIG. 2. Then, the signalreceiving and generating assembly 12 is inserted between the first andsecond portions 31, 32. If necessary, any openings defined in the belt13 are positioned over corresponding plateau regions on the housing 14.For instance, the display opening 34 is positioned over the display 17and the interface jack opening 42 is positioned over the interface jack18. Further, the keys 37 of the key pad 35 are positioned overcorresponding ones of the key contacts 16.

[0067] After insertion of the signal receiving and generating assembly12, the ends 28, 29 of the belt 13 are brought together so that theinner surfaces of the belt are generally in overlying contact with thebase surfaces of the housing 14. Once the ends are adjacent to eachother (but may still have a gap as shown in FIG. 4), the elastic bandconnector 15 is looped over the connector flanges 43. Tension in theconnector draws the ends 28, 29 into an abutting relationship. Otherbelts having different colors, aesthetic elements or configurationscould be exchanged with the current belt by reversing the aforedescribedprocess to remove the current belt.

[0068] Another embodiment of the mobile station 10 and associated coverassembly 11 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7-12. As is bestillustrated in FIG. 8, the belt 13 can include an integrated keypad 35having keys 37 on its outer surface and corresponding frusto-conicalshaped plungers 36 on its inner surface. Each of the plungers 36 ispositioned to correspond to respective ones of the key contacts 16 andextend through openings defined in the housing 14.

[0069] In addition, the belt may include pairs of clip members 44wherein the clip members are spaced across the belt 13 and extendingupwards from the side edges 30 of the belt at the first and secondportions 31, 32, as shown in FIG. 10. Optionally, the first and secondportions, and the clip members 44, are constructed of a relatively stiffmaterial, such as a metal or plastic material. In this manner, the clipmembers may be resiliently biased towards each other so as to grip thehousing 14. As another option, the housing 14 may define pairs of clipreceptacles 45, as shown in FIG. 8, sized and shaped to receive the clipmembers 44 and more firmly hold the belt 13 to the signal receiving andgenerating assembly. In another aspect, the clip members 44 may extendalong nearly entire portions 31, 32 of the belt so as to form extendedfins that fit into similarly extended receptacles 45.

[0070] The connector 15 of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7-12includes a latch 46 and a lever 47 that cooperate to secure the belt 13about the signal receiving and generating assembly 12. As can be seen inFIG. 9, the lever 47 may have a U-shape with a pair of arms extendingtowards a top end (using the illustrated orientation) of the mobilestation 10. The ends of the arms of the lever 47 are rotatably connectedto the second end 29 of the belt 13 via a first pin 48 extendingtherethrough, as can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 11.

[0071] The open area defined between the arms of the lever 47 providesclearance for the latch 46 which extends therebetween. As is shown inFIGS. 10 and 11, the latch has a rounded contour and extends from afirst latch end 51, that is rotatably connected to the arms of the lever47 via a second pin 53, to a second latch end 52. At the second end, thelatch 46 includes a hook portion 54 that extends away from its convexside.

[0072] At the first end 28 the belt 13 may define a notched portion 55that extends into a connector opening 56 defined in the housing 14 whenthe cover assembly 11 is secured thereto, as shown by the cross-sectionof FIG. 12. In particular, the notched portion 55 has leg extendinginwards and another leg attached to the first leg and extending at abouta 90° (or greater) angle therefrom into a position below the hookportion 54. As another option, the belt 13 may include a display cover49 that extends over the display and is transparent to allow visibilityof the display therethrough.

[0073] During assembly, the belt 13 is attached around the housing 14with the ends 28, 29 brought together at the top portion 24 of thehousing. The notched portion 55 of the first end 28 is inserted into theconnector opening 56 and the hook portion 54 is positioned over aproximate edge of the housing 14 defining the connector opening. Then,the lever 47 is rotated downwards about the first pin 48, and causingrotation at the second pin 53 between the latch 46 and the lever. As thelever is depressed into a flush position with respect to the outersurface of the belt 13, tension is applied through the latch 46 againstthe proximate edge or the housing 14 to further secure the belt 13 tothe housing 14.

[0074] The mobile station and associated cover assembly of the presentinvention have many advantages. For instance, the belt 13 is easilyattached and removed from the signal receiving and generating assembly,allowing quick exchange with other belts to change the appearance of themobile station 10. In addition, the cover assembly 11 providesadditional protection for the signal receiving and generating assembly12, especially if the belt 13 is constructed of an impact-absorbingmaterial. The side edges 30 of the belt defining the side openings 50allow the mobile station 10 to be easily gripped and held in the hand ofa user. In addition, the side openings allow for easier bending andattachment of the belt 13 about the housing 14. Matching the thicknessof the belt 13 to the raised portions, such as the display 17 and theinterface jack 18, provide a relatively flush, attractive outer surfaceof the mobile station 10.

[0075] Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions setforth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which theseinventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is tobe understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specificembodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments areintended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a genericand descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation.

1. A cover assembly for a wireless telecommunications signal receivingand generating assembly, said cover assembly comprising: a beltcomprising: a first end, a second end and a pair of side edges, saidpair of side edges laterally spaced from each other and extendingbetween the first and second ends; and a flexible portion extendingbetween the side edges and positioned between the first and second endsof the belt wherein the flexible portion allows the first and secondends of the belt to be moved with respect to each other about theflexible portion; and a connector configured to hold together the firstand second ends of the belt in an adjacent relationship so that the beltsubstantially extends around, and is in overlying contact with, thesignal receiving and generating assembly and each of the side edgesdefines one of a pair of side openings exposing a portion of the signalreceiving and generating assembly.
 2. A cover assembly of claim 1,wherein the ends of the belt are configured to be in abutting contactwhen held in the adjacent relationship by the connector.
 3. A coverassembly of claim 2, wherein the flexible portion of the belt has arounded inner surface.
 4. A cover assembly of claim 3, wherein theabutting ends together define another rounded inner surface opposite therounded inner surface at the flexible portion.
 5. A cover assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the rounded inner surfaces of the belt are shaped toconform closely to rounded outer surfaces at opposite ends of the signalreceiving and generating assembly.
 6. A cover assembly of claim 2,wherein the side edges of the belt are substantially parallel to eachother.
 7. A cover assembly of claim 6, wherein the side edges of thebelt are configured to extend partially over side surfaces of the signalreceiving and generating assembly so as to restrain the signal receivingand generating assembly from sliding out of the side openings defined bythe side edges of the belt.
 8. A cover assembly of claim 1, wherein theflexible portion of the belt defines an opening sized to receive aconnection port of the signal receiving and generating assembly.
 9. Acover assembly of claim 8, further comprising a first portion of thebelt between the first end and the flexible portion, wherein the firstportion of the belt defines a display opening sized to extend around adisplay of the signal receiving and generating assembly.
 10. A coverassembly of claim 9, wherein the belt has a thickness approximatelyequal to a height of the display and connection port with respect to abase surface of the signal receiving and generating assembly and whereinthe belt is in overlying contact with the base surface.
 11. A coverassembly of claim 1, further comprising a first portion of the beltbetween the first end and the flexible portion, wherein the firstportion of the belt includes an integrated keypad configured forpositioning over a plurality of key contacts of the signal receiving andgenerating assembly.
 12. A cover assembly of claim 1, wherein each ofthe ends of the belt defines an outwardly directed flange and whereinthe connector comprises a ring of elastic material configured to extendaround the flanges so as to hold the ends of the belt together.
 13. Acover assembly of claim 1, wherein the belt defines at least one openingallowing accessibility to a portion of the signal receiving andgenerating assembly and wherein the belt further includes at least oneflap configured to extend over the opening.
 14. A cover assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the flap is constructed of a transparent material. 15.A cover assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector includes a leverrotatably connected to the second end of the belt and a latch rotatablyconnected to the lever.
 16. A cover assembly of claim 15, wherein thelatch includes a hook portion.
 17. A mobile station assembly comprising:a wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assemblyhaving a front surface, a back surface and a peripheral surfaceextending between the front and back surfaces; and a belt extending overthe front surface, the back surface and a pair of opposite portions ofthe peripheral surface of the signal receiving and generating assembly,said belt having a pair of side edges defining a pair of openings onopposite sides of the belt wherein the openings reveal the remainingportions of the peripheral surface of the signal receiving andgenerating assembly.
 18. A mobile station assembly of claim 17, whereinthe wireless telecommunications signal receiving and generating assemblyincludes an outer housing having at least one plateau portion extendingoutwards from a base surface.
 19. A mobile station assembly of claim 18,wherein the belt is positioned against the base surface of the housingand defines at least one opening through which the plateau portionextends.
 20. A mobile station assembly of claim 19, wherein the belt hasan outer surface that is flush with a surface of the plateau portion.21. A mobile station assembly of claim 20, wherein the plateau portioncomprises a display.
 22. A mobile station assembly of claim 20, whereinthe plateau portion comprises a connection port.
 23. A mobile stationassembly of claim 17, wherein the belt includes a pair of ends andwherein the mobile station assembly further includes a connectorsecuring the ends of the belt in an abutting relationship.
 24. A mobilestation assembly of claim 23, wherein each of the ends of the beltdefines an outwardly directed flange and wherein the connector comprisesa ring of elastic material configured to extend around the flanges so asto hold the ends of the belt together.
 25. A mobile station assembly ofclaim 17, wherein the connector includes a lever rotatably connected toa second end of the belt and a latch rotatably connected to the lever.26. A mobile station assembly of claim 25, wherein the housing defines aconnector opening and wherein the latch includes a hook end configuredto extend into the connector opening and engage an edge of the housingdefining the connector opening.
 27. A mobile station assembly of claim26, wherein a first end of the belt defines a notched portion thatextends into the connector opening defined in the housing.
 28. A methodof securing a belt around a wireless telecommunications signal receivingand generating assembly, said method comprising: separating a pair ofends of the belt by rotating a first portion of the belt away from asecond portion of the belt about a flexible portion of the belt;inserting the signal receiving and generating assembly between the firstand second portions of the belt; closing the ends of the belt until thefirst and second portions of the belt overlie the signal receiving andgenerating assembly and the ends of the belt are in an adjacentrelationship; and securing the ends of the belt together using aconnector.
 29. A method of claim 28, wherein securing the ends of thebelt include distending an elastic band of the connector and positioningthe elastic band around a pair of flanges wherein each of the flanges isdefined on a respective one of the ends of the belt.
 30. A method ofclaim 28, wherein inserting the signal receiving and generating assemblyincludes positioning a display and a plurality of key contacts of thesignal receiving and generating assembly in registration with a displayopening defined by the belt and a keypad of the belt, respectively. 31.A method of claim 28, wherein securing the ends of the belt includeurging the ends of the belt together in an abutting relationship.
 32. Amethod of claim 28, wherein securing the ends of the belt includesrotating a lever with respect to the belt so as to urge a latch againstthe signal receiving and generating assembly.